Vehicle-wheel.



L. ANDERSDN. VEHICLE WHEEL. APPLICATION FILED MAR. 27, 1912.

Patented Apr. 8, 1913.

3 BHEBTS-SHEET 1.

L. ANDERSON. VEHICLE WHEEL. APPLICATION nun MAR. 21, 1912,

Patented Apr. 8, 1913.

3 Mani-21mm 2.

L. ANDERSON. VEHICLE WHEEL. APPLICATION TILED IAB. 27, 1912. 1 05 51 Patented Apr. 8, 1913.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

omrnn snares PATENT OFFICE.

LYCURGU S ANDERSON, OF LAKE GREEK, TE IAS.

vnnIcLawnEEL.

Specification 01 Letters Patent. 7 V Application filed March 27, 1912. Serial 'No. 686,486.

Patented Apr. s, 1913.

To alZ whom it may concern Be it known that I, 'Lrooneos ANonnsoN', a citizen or" the, United States, residing at Lake ,Creek, in the count-5 20f Delta and State of Texas, have invented new and useful Improvements in Vehicle-Wheels, of. which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in vehicle wheels of that'- general type which embodies a flexible tread and radially arranged springs for absorbing shocks and cushioning the yielding, action of the parts offthe said tread,

.-. One object of the invention is to provide a' wheel of thetype stated, in'which the operating partsare readily accessible for the purposes of renewal, cleaning, or repair. A further object of-the invention is. to provide a yieldable tread or rim in which eficirent provision is madev against undue wear, occasioned by dust-or gravel accumulating at'th'e hinged joints of the sections of the treadl I I A further object of the invention is to provide as a part of the cushioning meahs a wheel spoke"madein'rtelescopically related sections, of such construction that the greatest eificiency of spring action is bbtrained.

A' further object of the invention isjto provide an improved flexible side flange construction which eliiciently serves to protect the inclosed working part-s aga nstdust or moisture.

An embodiment ofthe invention is dis closed. in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure l .is a fragmentary view of a wheel, partly in side elevation, and partly iii-longitudinal section,showing the features of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of a two-part clamping ring by which the cushioning parts of the'device are held in. relation to-th'e flexible. tread; Fig. 3 is a detail plan view, partly, in section, show-- ing one of the elements of'the flexible tread and the relation thereof to the adjoining elements; Fig. 4 is a detail cross sectional view on the line 457*4: of Fig}; Fig. 1g) is F10 1011 r0 ersv a detail view showing antiprovided at the outer ends of the springpressed spokes Fig. .6 is a detail plan view of one of the elements of the flexible tread,

looking at the inner face thereof Fig. 7

is a detail perspective view of one ofthe elements of the flexible tread; Fig. 8 1s a perspective view showing the construction and relation of the parts which "make up the flexibleside flanges; Fig. 9 is a detail elevat on, with the parts in detached relat1o-n, of a main spoke; Fig. 10 is a similar view of an auxiliary spoke; Fig. 11 is a detail view of a retalning cap for one of the members of the auxiliary spoke; and Fig. 12 1s a detail cross sectionalview showing a modification of the side flange construcmately semi-circular concave curvature, as i at 5, to conformably receive the knuckles of the adjacent blocks, and at the same time to define tapering lips 6 which overlie the knuckles that work in the recesses '5 and efficiently prevent the passage of dust to the mclosed space occupied by the working parts.

The blocks 2 are individually yieldable, and their yielding movements are suitably cushioned. The cushioningsmeans comprises a plurality of spokes made in telescopically related sections, and in' the embodiment shown, includes the main spokes'fi and the auxiliary spokes 7. The telescoping sections of the spokes 6 are" shown at (S and 6", the section 6* being fixed in the hub A of the wheel, and the section 6 being axially mm able in, and withgelation to, the section '6. The fixed section 6 h'asa step'ped bore, the

divisions of whichprogressively increase'in diameter towardthe outerend of th e' se'c tlon, -andthem'ovable section fi is corre spondingly, sap ea its st pped division's1c5 progressively decreas'lng in diameter toward 11 its inner" "ends When the sections fif and 6." are fitted't'ogether, the r stepped construe-1- tionpr'ovid'es a pair: of annulacchamber's 8' and-[9, thejg nds of which are'de'fined .by' the shoulders bf sai'd sections. Said chambers 5 5 ;inclose-expansive coil springs 10 and 11, thef ment of the section 6 is obviously taken up first, and partlyby the spring 10 and partly by the spring 11, the latter being of greater strength than the spring 10.

The sections of the auxiliary spokes 7 are shown at 7 and 7 the section 7 being fixed andthe section 7 being axially movable in the section 7- The section 7 incl-udes'a reduced axial extension 7 and the section 7 includes a reduced axial extension Twhich works in the extension 7 When the sections 7 and 7 are in operative relation, an annw. lar chamber 12 1s defined, in which is inclosed an expansive coil spring 13, the ends of Which bear against the shoulders aflorded by the provision of the extensions 7 and 7 The -oflice of the spring 13 is to cushion the inward yielding movements of the section 7 The spokes '6 and 7 in the aggregate correspond in number to the number of block's 2, and by preference, a pair of spokes 7 is arranged between each pair of adjoining spokes 6. Each of the spokes 6 and 7 is associated with a corresponding block 2, preferably in the manner shown in the drawings, 2'. e. by the' provision of extensions 14 on the outer ends of the respective spoke sections "6 f and '7", andmecesses 15 in the inner'faces of the blocks 2 to receive said extensions, the recesses being of suflicient longitudinalextent to allow of some degree of longitudinal play between the blocks and the spokes. The sections 6" and 7. are also preferably provided with flanges or shou'l-- ders 16, each bearing against the inner faces of the blocks 2. The extensions 14 are preferably constructed to carryanti-friction rollers 17 whichwo-rk in the. recesses 15 and allow of easy movements between the blocks 2 and the spokes.

' the spoke sections 7 closely'surround the The fixed sections 7 of the spokes 7 are securely held in position, and against any loose play, by a two-part clamping ring 18,

(Fig. 2) composed of a pair of annular members 18 secured-together by screws 19 and each having, at intervals corresponding to the intervals of the spokes;6 and 7, semiannular bends 20 and 21, which register in the combined'relation of the members 18? and define clamping collars for engagement with the several spoke sections. Thecoll'ars defined by' the bends 20 for engagement with extensions 79, and "constitute the main support for the spoke sections 7*; while the col lars defined by the bends 21 surround the which the spoke sections 6* adjacent the external shoulders of the latter, and act in connection with the hub A to hold said spoke sections 6 against loose play; The screws 19 are preferably arranged between the several bends of the sections 18*, and serve to draw said sections together and to cause them to exert a clamping pressure upon those portions of the spoke sections 6 and 7 which are in-- closed within the collars defined by the respective bends 20 and 21. The sect-ions 7 are further held in relation by retaining jecting innerend portions of the extension 7, and are. of the same diameter as the clamping collars defined by the adjacent bends 20 which said caps abut. The caps 22 may be applied and removed, in any convenientmanner, for instance, by a spanner wrench, the jaws of which will engage in openings 23 in the end faces of said caps.

The clamping ring 18 is preferably employed in connection with a felly, or inner rim'24, said ring 18 resting upon the rim 24 and the latter aflording an annular base for the clamping ring and for the spokes 7.

The felly 24 is provided with openings to accommodate the caps 22, but is otherwise imperforate, and aside from forming a base fo1-'-'th e parts 18 and 7, serves in connection with side flanges, to be hereafter described, to prevent the access of dust or moisture to the spokes- 7,-and the outer portionsyof the spokes 6. 'It is preferred to connect the spoke sections 6 and-7 to the respective blocks 2with areassociated, as by transverse pins 25 w ich pass through slots in the extensions 1 1 of said spoke sections. Similar pins 26 may be employed to connect the inner portions .of the spoke sections. 6 and 6,

the pins 26 passing through longitudinal slots 27 in the sections 6*. The office of .the pins-25 and 26 is to prevent any accidental dissociation of the spoke sections, due to unusually strong and sudden vibrations or shocks.

As a protection against dust and moisture, the spokes 7 and the outer portions of the spokes 6 are to be completely housed. For this purpose, the tread 1, the felly 24, and

caps 22 which are threaded upon the proside flanges are employed. ,The side flanges are arranged in pairs at each side of the wheel, and the inner flanges 28 are secured to the felly 24 and may be integral throughout their extent, while the outer flanges 29 are secured to the tread 1, and are made in sections 29 which correspond in number and arrangementto the tread blocks 2 and are severally secured to said tread blocks as by screws-30. The flange sections 29 are cut away at their opposite ends and at relatively opposite sides thereof, so as to provide relatively thin marginal extensions 31 and 32, the extension 31 of one flange section flange section.

" with relation to the adjoining flange sec overlying the extension 32 of an adjacent The overlying relation of the extensions 31 and 32 is shown in Figs. 1 and 3, from which it will be apparent that each flange section 29; has no positive con-.

nection with the flange sections at either side thereof, and is, consequently, movable tions, at the same time coacting therewith by virtue of the extensions 31 and 32 to pro-' vide an etficient seal against the passage of dust'or moisture. The flanges 29 also overlie the flanges 28, and coact with the latter in like manner in establishing a Seal to pr'e-- Ventthe passage ofdust and moisture to the inclosed working parts. a

It will be apparent that the tread 1, the felly 24,5tnd the side flanges 28 and 29'form a completehousin -for the spokes 7 and the outer portion 'ofe spokes 6, and that, al though this housing comprises yield'able or.

, flexible Walls, the passage of dust or moishire to the 'inclosed parts is efiiciently prevented by the provision of the extensions 31- and 32 on the flange sections 29*, an'dby the relation of the knuckles l, the recesses 5,-and

the lips '6 of the hinged joints of the tread blocks2'." 'In case, however, any dust should work into the inclosed space defined by the tread 1, the felly 24, and the side flanges 28 and 29, its detrimental effect will be substantially prevented by the oil or grease in which the movin parts operate, and which will be containe 'in the chambers 8, 9, and- 12 and in the recess 15. It ma be noted that the shoulder '16 forms an e cient seal for thelrecess 15 andconsequently prevents any dust from working into said recess and generating undue friction in the yielding action J of the tread blocks 2 with relation to the spoke sectionsfi and 7 In Fig. 12, a modified or alternative convstruction is shown, in which flexible linings 33 are associated with the side flanges 28 and 29, and the flanges .28 are provided above the felly 24 w-ith apertures 34. .The

linings 33 are secured by screws of bolts whichattach the flanges 28 and 29 to the felly 24 and to the tread 1, and are held between said flanges and said felly and tread respectively. In case any dust should work through the intersticesbetween the flanges 28 and 29, or between the sections 29 of the flanges 29, such dust will be prevented from passing to the inclosed space by the linings 33 and'will ultimately pass out through the apertures 34.

'Thehousing or casing provided by the tread or rim 1, the felly 24, and the flanges 28 and 29 not only protects the .inclosed working parts, but it also conceals them,

1 thus adding greatly to the appearance of the wheel and causing it to substantially resemble one of ordina construction.

It is to be noted t at the chambers 8, 9,

and 12, in which the springs 10, 11, and 13 gare contained, are of just suiiicient width to ienable" free movements of said springs with ;relation to the adjacent portions of the spoke sections, but are not of suflicient width :to allow of said springs being-distorted un- Eder compression. Consequently, the s rings.

are always maintained in proper-re ation,.

hand a maximum efliciency of their action is' secured. By fillin'gor partially filling .the chambers referred to with oil'or grease,"the- ;relative; movements of the spoke-sections} 1 and of the springs are without substaiitial 0f hsi li e e operating parts are fully ini ing ring 18, and access tosaid clamping ring" 3 for the purpose'of disconnecting-saidsecs t-ions may be readily had by simply remov a ing one of the side flanges-28, e'. 9'. that side flange which is adjacent the heads of thefscrews 19. I Aside from the above advantages,**the wlieel is particularly efficient inaction, since the relation of the spokes to the" t-read m'ern i hers 2 allows of the requisite freedom of in dividual movement of said tread members; and at the same time provides "for "an--in-" stant return of the tread members to their" normal relation as soon as theyghave' left thesurface of thegrouhd.v As stated above, the

movements of the tread members and of the movable parts of the spokes are without substantial friction, by reason of the lubricant which is contained in the spring chambers and in the recesses 15 of the blocks 2.

Having fully described my invention, I claim:

1. A vehicle wheel comprising a flexible tread made upof hingedly connected tread blocks, means for cushioning the individual yielding action of the tread blocks and. for

holding said blocks in normalfrelation, the means comprising spokes made in telescoping sections, and spr ngs actingonthe outer sections of the, spokes to move them outwardly, the said movable spokelsections hav I ing extensions and shoulders adjacentthereto and the'tread blocks havingrecesses-to receive the extensionsand'bearing with their. innerfaces against the shouldersand antifrlct on rollers arranged in the recesses and acting 'on the extensions 2. A vehi' le wheel comprising a flexible tread made up of hingedly connected tread means comprising spokesma de in telescop- Aing sections and springs acting on the outer annular sections bolted together at intervals retaining caps of greater diameter than the Q 9 means comprising spokes made in telescopblocks, means for cushioning the individual yielding action of the tread blocks and or holding said blocks in normal relation, the means comprising spokes made in telescop ing sections and springs acting on the outer sections of the 'spokes to move them outwardly, the movable spoke sections having slotted extensions and the tread blocks having recesses to receive the extensions, anti-- friction rollers carried by' the extensions, and transversepins connecting the, tread blocks and the movable sections of the pokes, the pins passing through the slots '1 in the extension.

3; A vehicle wheel comprising a flexible tread made up of hingedly connected tread .blocks, means for cushioning the individual ry'ielding action. of the tread blocks and for holding said blocks in normal relation, the

sections of the spokes to move them outwardlyand to hold them against the tread blocks, a clamping ring composed of two t? 'oughout their extent and formed with a ning semi-circular bends which define clani giing collars which surround and secure he inner sections of the spokes, and

- openings of said clamping collars threaded tread made up of hingedly connected tread ing sections and springs acting on the outer sections of the spokes to move them outvvardly and to hold them against the tread blocks, a clamping ring composed of two annularsections bolted together at intervals throughout their extent and formed with alining semi-circular bends which define clamping collars which surround and secure the inner sectionsof the spokes, retaining caps of greater diameter than the openings of said clamping collars threaded uponthe innerend portions of said inner I sections and located adjacent the inner face 0f the clamping' ring, and an annular felly upon. which the clamping ring rests and which is provided with openings to receive the retaining caps.

5. A vehicle wheel comprising a flexible tread made up of hingedly connected tread blocks, means for cushioning the individual yielding action of the tread blocks and for holding said blocks in normal relation, :1 felly located inwardly of'the rim and concentric thereto, overlying side flanges at each side of the Wheel, one of the side flanges being continuous and being secured to the telly, and the other side flange being formed of dissociated sections corresponding in number and arrangement to the tread blocks and severally secured to said tread blocks, the said flange sections having overlying marginal portions, and flexible linings arranged Within said side flanges, one of the side flanges having apertures.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

LYcUReUs ANDERSON.

Witnesses i i CHARLES A. Rows, 0. Z. ANDERSON. 

